North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure - 50 Years of Victory
Nothing matches the experience of standing at 90° N celebrating your bucket list arrival to the North Pole. This operator pioneered this expedition in 1991 and they do it right!
SPECIAL OFFER
8.3*
ECO SCORE
128
PASSENGERS
14
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
50 Years of Victory
Have you ever imagined yourself standing at the very top of the world? Of witnessing a nuclear icebreaker crushing through the thick sea ice in one of the most remote regions of the planet? Of enjoying a celebratory barbeque on the ice-covered landscape at 90° N? The North Pole remains one of the most sought-after Arctic destinations. Imagine the thrill of a powerful icebreaker crushing through multi-year pack ice as it pushes toward 90° North. Or envision yourself aboard a helicopter as it soars over the icy Arctic Ocean—or standing on a remote spot on the planet where so few have ever set foot. Join the crew of the 50 Years of Victory on this exhilarating journey and discover for yourself why the North Pole has, for centuries, stirred the minds and hearts of explorers and adventurers the world-over.
- • Board the ship's helicopter for thrilling views of vast, icy expanses. Flightseeing is included in the rates.
• Journey to remote Franz Joseph Land for snowy, rugged landscapes and wildlife hardly anyone has ever seen.
• Celebrate with a toast and a barbecue on the ice at 90° N and even launch into the air in a hot air balloon (extra cost).
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $33,495 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Ask us for 2023 dates.
June, July 2023
Hover here for specific dates
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
Piloted an Arctic-wide recycling program for cruise lines.
Conservation
Aided in eradicating invasive rodents in South Georgia to restore ground-nesting bird populations.
Carbon
Uses state of the art technology to reduce carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and design scene and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2: Embarkation Day in Murmansk, Russia
From Helsinki, you’ll join your fellow passengers on the charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, a nuclear icebreaker.
Days 3 to 6: Northbound in the Arctic Ocean
Being on board Victory and feeling the icebreaker crush through the Arctic pack ice is an experience you’ll never forget. Just as memorable is boarding the ship’s helicopter for a thrilling aerial view over the ship and the expansive Arctic Ocean. You can expect variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take us anywhere from four to six days, depending on the ice conditions. This means you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates and be treated to presentations and discussions with your Expedition Team while looking out for wildlife. There are also many wonderful amenities on board, such as the ship’s heated saltwater plunge pool or basketball court.
Day 7: 90° North
The anticipation reaches a climax as you arrive at the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, call your family, wave a flag—just be sure you enjoy your moment at the top of the world!
Later, everyone will celebrate with a toast and a barbecue on the ice. If the opportunity allows, you have the option of taking a polar plunge into the icy waters around the North Pole. We’ll also attempt to launch passengers high above the Pole in our hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (weather dependent, extra cost).
Day 8: Southbound in the Arctic Ocean
On our return voyage, you can sit back and relax. As you head farther south, you may get lucky and spot polar bears hunting for seals.
Days 9 and 10: Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean
This group of approximately 200 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll explore Cape Flora and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. You may also have the chance, if conditions allow, to explore remote seabird colonies while Zodiac cruising beneath towering cliffs or enjoy another breathtaking aerial sightseeing tour aboard the Victory helicopter.
Days 11 and 12: Southbound at Sea
Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any remaining questions and point out wildlife during the return journey.
Day 13: Disembarkation in Murmansk
Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, you’ll have time to bid farewell to the 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland, to enjoy one final night with your newfound friends.
Day 14: Helsinki, Finland
After breakfast, your official journey comes to an end. We do encourage you to spend time exploring Helsinki, and its surrounding areas.
Mandatory Transfer Package Includes:
• One night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Helsinki
• Charter flight from Helsinki to Murmansk
• Transfers to and from the ship
• Charter flight from Murmansk to Helsinki
• One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Helsinki
Package Rate, USD: $1,995pp
Important Note: Russian visas are required for tourists from most countries. This voyage requires double-entry Russian visas. See your country’s Russian consulate or embassy for details.
Please Note: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
Included Activities: Flightseeing, Hiking, Polar Plunge, Zodiac Cruising
Adventure Option: Hot Air Ballooning (Extra Cost)
Imagine the sensation of rising slowly upward in the basket of a hot-air balloon during a much-anticipated visit to the North Pole. Suspended 30 metres (100 feet) high above the icy surface in the safety of a tethered hot-air balloon basket, guests enjoy a 360° view of the Arctic landscape below. The hot-air balloon option provides guests an entirely new perspective at the top of the world! No experience is required. Staff will make every effort to make sure you´re not only safe and comfortable but most of all, that you have a wonderful ride. (Ask your Travel Curator for more information.)
50 Years of Victory
Twenty years in the making, 50 Years of Victory is the first Arktika-class icebreaker to have a spoon-shaped bow, covered in a skirt of stainless steel, meaning she can crush through sea ice up to 9.2 feet (2.5 metres) thick en route to its destination of 90°N. A helicopter for shore excursions and flight-seeing make 50 Years of Victory a ship unlike any other, with the ability to go where other ships cannot. This is one of the world’s largest, most-powerful nuclear icebreakers.
• Capacity: 128 Guests
• Cabins: 64 Cabins
• Specialists: Highly Credentialed Naturalists and Guides, 140 Staff & Crew Members
ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Magellan Awards "Best Overall Small Cruise Ship"
2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards – "Best Small Ship Line"
"The 50 Years of Victory is a working Russian icebreaker that has the power to bring you to your North Pole destination and then some. As she was constructed originally for scientists and crew, she has simple cabins and amenities designed for long sea journeys rather than luxury. That said, she's comfortable and friendly, very much like a college dorm atmosphere. When this operator takes her to the North Pole with their enthusiastic expedition staff and naturalists, plus the helicopter and hot air balloon, you'll know you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
Questions?
Bragging rights aside, getting to the North Pole is one of the most exhilarating experiences out there. This operator offered it first and they know the region and the right kinds of celebrations for the occasion better than anyone. I say, go for it!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities; All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program; All shore landings as per the daily program; Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; A photographic journal documenting the expedition; A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; An official parka to keep; Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; All luggage handling aboard the ship; Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; Russian invitation letter for visa application provided after final payment.
